Apple WWDC15: Everything you need to know about Apple's special event

Apple held its Worldwide Developer Conference 2015 (WWDC 15) yesterday afternoon in California, branding it the 'epicentre of change.' Here Buro 24/7 Middle East breaks down all the changes, improvements and additions that you need to know about in the world of Apple...

Apple Beats

Apple has finally joined the competitive music streaming landscape by unveiling Apple Music at WWDC15 yesterday. The company that invented the iPod and iTunes, has played its part in revolutionising the digital music landscape but is now playing a game of catch up. "We’ve had a long relationship with music," said Apple CEO Tim Cook. "And music has had a rich history of change, some of which we’ve played a part in."

The new service will combine music downloads, streaming radio, and a streaming music service into a single app. Like most digital services, it will learn to become tailor made to you, by promising to learn your tastes and recommend great new songs accordingly (by using a complex algorithm). With access to every song available on iTunes, some users may need help deciding what to listen to. That’s where Beats 1 comes in, a 24-hour radio station that broadcasts worldwide and boasts popular radio figures including former BBC radio and TV presenter, Zane Lowe. It’ll be based in LA, New York and London and will automatically switch between them throughout the day for a 24/7 experience.

The new service starts June 30, the first three months will be free, and then a monthly subscription of $ 9.99 a month will be charged. Free users will continue to have access to Beats 1 radio.

Tim Cook, Eddy Cue

Drake

iOS 9

The new operating system sets about enhancing existing features rather than introducing new ones. One example of this is the Siri function, which in the new upgrade has become more contextually aware and learns your habits to try and make your iOS experience a bit easier and faster. The all important battery life on your iPhone will be improved, with the iPhone 6 running for an extra hour on iOS 9. Adding to this is new battery saving mode that can shut down non-essential features and make your iPhone last an extra three hours.

iOS 9 also introduces a new way to multitask for the iPad, enabling users to split screen apps. It also introduces a trackpad built into the on-screen keyboard, accessible by putting two fingers on the keyboard and enabling fine control over the cursor. Quick app switching similar to OS X when using physical keyboards also makes a debut.

OS X 10.11 El Capitan

OS X 10.11 is convenient because it can be divided into two screen monitors using the Split View, allowing Safari to split into two monitors. Craig Federighi, who heads the development of OS, said that the new system will be based on experience and performance. There are new gestures that include swiping to delete an email, improved Spotlight search with movable and resizable windows and you can also pin popular sites in Safari. The new adjustments and additions are all designed to save time and keep things efficient.

Craig Federighi

WatchOS 2

This is the new version of the Apple Watch software, it runs faster and has fixed some of the bugs of its predecessor. Apps will be able to access the microphone and accelerometer, play audio via the built-in speakers and even utilise the Digital Crown. HomeKit will also be available on the Apple Watch via Siri. The new TimeTravel feature has been added, allowing you to see upcoming events and even near future weather reports on your watch face. WatchOS 2 also lets developers add custom widgets to watch faces and run apps natively on the wearable. There are also new ways to personalise and customise your watch. The software update will be available from the autumn.

Kevin Lynch

Apple Pay

Apple announced that the Apple Pay system will be making its way across the Atlantic to the UK. The rollout in the UK is significantly larger than the initial launch of the service in the US. All of the top eight banks are onboard with the service and over 250,000 locations are onboard to facilitate payments through the app. There was no exact release date given by the company, though expect it to land sometime in late July.